The excitement of the day's adventures still lingered as Orion made his way through the bustling streets of the city. He mulled over the possibilities that lay before him, particularly in terms of skill acquisition. Remembering that the most basic skills in the Store system cost around 25 gold coins, he checked his inventory and found he had exactly that amount. It was time to invest in a new skill.
Accessing the Store system, Orion browsed through the list of available skills. Several caught his eye: 'Enhanced Reflexes' promised quicker reaction times, 'Elemental Resistance' offered protection against elemental damage, and 'Shadow Step' allowed brief moments of increased stealth. However, after some contemplation, Orion decided on 'Backstab.' This skill would significantly increase damage when attacking an enemy from behind - a perfect complement to his stealthy, agile combat style.
With the decision made, Orion purchased the 'Backstab' skill, feeling a new surge of potential within him. He was eager to test it out, but first, he had another task to attend to - his Cultivation.
As the city lights dimmed, Orion found a secluded spot, a quiet haven amidst the urban sprawl, where he could embark on a new phase of his journey - his first foray into Cultivation. The spirit stone in his hand was his key to unlocking this ancient practice.
Orion understood that the Mortal Realm of Cultivation, the realm he was about to step into, was divided into two primary stages: Initiation and Foundation Building, each with twelve ranks. He was about to enter the Initiation stage, the very beginning of his cultivation journey.
Closing his eyes, Orion focused on the spirit stone, feeling its energy pulse against his palm. As he attuned his mind to the stone, he felt a shift in his consciousness. It was as if he was stepping into a different plane of existence, one where the flow of internal energies became more tangible.
The Initiation stage was about understanding and cultivating these internal energies. As he tapped into this new realm, Orion felt a subtle, yet profound, change within himself. It was like a dormant power awakening, a gentle stream of energy beginning to flow through his body.
He concentrated on guiding this flow, following the patterns he had read about in the ancient texts. With each cycle of energy, he felt his body responding, becoming attuned to this newfound power. It was a meticulous and slow process, but Orion could sense the gradual strengthening of his internal energies.
After what felt like hours, Orion opened his eyes, feeling both exhilarated and drained. He had successfully initiated himself into the first rank of the Initiation stage. His physical stats had increased, and more importantly, his Qi capacity had expanded. He felt a newfound strength coursing through him, a subtle but undeniable surge of vitality.
Realizing the time, Orion decided to return home. The city was quieter now, the hustle of daily life giving way to the calm of the night. As he walked, Orion's mind replayed the day's events, from the adrenaline of the dungeon to the tranquil yet intense experience of his first Cultivation session.
Upon reaching home, he found his grandfather, Alexander, sitting in the living room, surrounded by books and papers that hinted at his own mysterious past. Alexander looked up, his eyes reflecting a deep understanding of the world that Orion was only beginning to explore.
"Back from your adventures, I see," Alexander began, his voice carrying a mix of curiosity and wisdom.
"Yes, Grandpa," Orion replied, taking a seat opposite him. "Today was quite eventful. We went back into the Shadow Veil Dungeon. Managed to defeat the Goblin King... twice."
Alexander raised an eyebrow, a slight smile playing on his lips. "Twice, you say? That's quite an achievement. Tell me more."
Orion recounted the day's events, describing the battles and the teamwork that had led to their victories. He spoke of the skills of his teammates, their strategies, and how they had adapted to the challenges of the dungeon. As he spoke, he carefully omitted any mention of his Cultivation and the Store system, focusing solely on the aspects related to the Level-Up system.
"You're growing stronger, Orion," Alexander noted, his gaze thoughtful. "But remember, strength isn't just about defeating foes. It's also about understanding yourself, your abilities, and how you use them."
Orion nodded, taking in his grandfather's words. "I understand, Grandpa. There's a lot I'm still learning, not just about the system but about myself too."
Alexander leaned back, his expression turning more serious. "This path you're on, it's not just filled with physical challenges. You'll face moral ones too. Always be mindful of the choices you make and their consequences."
"I will, Grandpa," Orion assured him, feeling the weight of Alexander's advice. It was a reminder that his journey wasn't just a series of battles and level-ups, but a path of personal growth and discovery.
"As you grow in power, remember the importance of humility and compassion," Alexander added. "True strength lies in character, not just capability."
Orion absorbed these words, understanding that his grandfather's advice stemmed from experiences far deeper than he could yet comprehend. As he bid Alexander goodnight and retired to his room, Orion felt a sense of gratitude for the guidance and support.
Alone with his thoughts, Orion reflected on his grandfather's words. The day had been a testament to his growing abilities, but Alexander's advice reminded him of the broader journey ahead. His path was more than just acquiring skills and power; it was also about developing wisdom and understanding.
Before settling into bed, Orion checked his status window, reviewing the changes and progress he had made:
[ Name: Orion ]
[ System: Fused System (Level-Up, Cultivation, Store, Quests) ]
[ Level: 3 ]
[ Mana: 100/100 ]
[ Qi: 100/100 ]
[ Experience: 240/400 ]
[ Skills: Basic Mana Control (Level 1), Basic Qi Cultivation (Level 1), Access to Store (Level 1), Quest Log (Level 1), Basic Dagger Mastery(Level 1), Basic Botanical Knowledge (Level 1) ]
[ Basic Stats ]
[ Strength: 10.51 ]
[ Agility: 12.63(12.73) ]
[ Endurance: 10.30 ]
[ Intelligence: 12.11 ]
[ Perception: 11.88 ]
[ Charisma: 10.51 ]
[ Luck: 25.00 ]
[ Cultivation Realm ]
[ Mortal Realm - Initiation (Rank 1) ]
[ Free Stat Points: 2 ]
Settling into bed, Orion's mind was a whirl of thoughts about his future and the mysteries he was yet to unravel. With new skills in his arsenal and a budding understanding of Cultivation, he was eager for the challenges ahead. Drifting off to sleep, he felt a sense of readiness for whatever lay on the horizon of his extraordinary journey.